Nerves before a new job are not a warning. They’re what caring about something feels like before you have any evidence yet. This sheet gets you the evidence.
01
what’s the fear, exactly
What are you actually afraid will happen?
“it’ll go badly” is too vague to argue with. be specific.
- I’ll look stupid
- I won’t be able to do the work
- they’ll realise they hired the wrong person
- I won’t fit in with them
- I’ll be overwhelmed and show it
- I’ll fail where everyone can see
02
test it
How likely is that, honestly?
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never happeningcertain
They chose you out of everyone who applied. What did they see?
Name three things you already know how to do.
When did you last start something new and survive it?
you have done this before.
03
the first week is supposed to be hard
Nobody expects you to know things you haven’t been told yet. Being new is a job description, not a performance.
What would a fine first week look like?
not a great one. a fine one.
05
a plan small enough to hold
One question you’ll ask on day one.
One person you’ll introduce yourself to.
One thing you’ll do at the end of each day to close it out.
What will you tell yourself when it hits you mid-afternoon?
Please read: this is a self-help worksheet, not therapy and not
medical care. It won't fix everything and it isn't meant to. If you're struggling
with your mental health, please talk to a doctor or a therapist — and keep doing
that alongside anything you do with me. If you are thinking about hurting yourself, please don't use a worksheet — contact a crisis line right now. In the US you can call or text 988. Elsewhere, your local emergency number.